Saints Jonas and Barachisius c. 17th century

Curator: This engraving by Jacques Callot depicts Saints Jonas and Barachisius undergoing their martyrdom. The print belongs to the collection of the Harvard Art Museums and measures a mere 7.6 by 4.9 centimeters. Editor: It's grim! The stark, almost mechanical lines emphasize the brutality of the scene. Look at the planks, the levers—all tools of torture, meticulously rendered. Curator: Callot was a master of etching, renowned for capturing scenes of violence and religious fervor during the Baroque period. This image reflects the intense religious conflicts of the time and the public spectacle of martyrdom. Editor: And how the labor is displayed! We see bodies forced into uncomfortable positions, contorted and strained. The work of torture is laid bare, the machinery of suffering made visible. Curator: The small scale allowed for wide distribution. This kind of image served as propaganda, shaping public opinion and solidifying the Church’s power through the visual depiction of unwavering faith. Editor: Exactly. The material object itself—cheap, reproducible—becomes a tool for disseminating ideology. It makes you think about the social function of such gruesome imagery. Curator: Indeed. Reflecting on the context and purpose enhances our appreciation, even if the subject matter is unsettling. Editor: Agreed. Considering the means of production certainly reframes how we understand its impact.